Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey gets A certificate in India

MUMBAI: It’s a long journey home, but this one reaches Indian cinemas without losing a single frame. Christopher Nolan’s much-anticipated epic The Odyssey has reportedly been cleared for theatrical release in India with an A certificate, allowing audiences to experience the film in its original form just days before its global release.

According to reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) granted certification on July 9 without recommending any cuts. If the studio has not undertaken any self-censorship for the Indian release, viewers will see the same version being screened internationally.

The certification restricts the film to audiences aged 18 years and above. Reports also state that The Odyssey has a runtime of 172.33 minutes, or 2 hours, 52 minutes and 33 seconds.

The certification comes ahead of the film’s theatrical release on July 17, as anticipation builds for what is one of the year’s biggest cinematic releases.

Adding to the excitement, Nolan travelled to Mumbai with lead actors Tom Holland and Matt Damon for promotional events held on July 10 and 11, marking a significant moment for Indian film audiences.

The Mumbai event also made history as the first official Indian premiere of a Christopher Nolan film, with Universal Pictures International including the city on the film’s global premiere tour alongside London, Paris and New York.

Addressing the audience after the screening, Nolan spoke warmly about premiering the film in India.

“I am coming to Mumbai again! This is not the first time I am here in Mumbai. But it is the first time that we get the chance to launch a film here. So you are among the first audiences in the world to see this film!” he said.

Keeping the atmosphere light, the filmmaker also joked with attendees by asking, “By the way, did you like the film?” before playfully following it up with, “Who is better? Matt or Tom?” prompting enthusiastic cheers for both stars.

Based on Homer’s legendary Greek epic, The Odyssey follows the long and perilous journey of Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. The ensemble cast also features Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron.

With an uncut release, a landmark Mumbai premiere and one of Hollywood’s biggest directors bringing his latest spectacle to Indian audiences, The Odyssey is set to begin its voyage in cinemas exactly as Nolan intended.